Digimon Gardens of Babylon
- Thread starter Daneel Rush
- Start date
TakatoÆs mad dash ended less than a hundred meters away from the waterÆs edge. While his sight was obscured by containers and the walls of a line of warehouses, he was already close enough. And he already knew it was too late. He had seen two blue spheres of data streaking the sky over his head in the direction of Shinjuku, and he had felt the earthquake unleashed by LeviamonÆs unmatched physical power.
After clenching his fists in pain and regret, he reached for his deck to find that card.
I neveràwished for things to be like this.
Even after he had made his choice, even if he was aware there was no other way, even as his steps pulled him forward to Leviamon, he hesitated.
He chuckled bitterly at his reluctance to scan this card.
I guessàIÆm still human after all.
To feel sadness, regret and anger at RukiÆs and RenamonÆs deaths, that was the clearest sign that LucemonÆs Game had not yet stripped him of his humanity.
However, that was the core of the problem.
A human did not have the power to defeat Lucemon.
The Game would reach the next stage now. To fight, and defeat the Demon Lords. So this was for the best.
He needed the power to defeat the Demon Lords by himself. This was something he would not, could not, rely on the Tamers for. This was as much his kindness as it was his pride.
He just wished he had been able to delay this fight until he had finished his little side project.
Oh well.
****************************************
ôGalgomon, I canÆt see,ö Jenrya complained weakly, and his partner made sure things stayed like that.
ôItÆs okay, Jenàö Nothing but empty words. Maybe Galgomon did not want JenryaÆs last emotion to be panic, but keeping him in the dark was not helping. ôIÆll try toàhuh?ö
Feeling the larger DigimonÆs grip on him weaken all of a sudden, Jenrya seized the chance to push his head over GalgomonÆs arms to catch a glimpse of the world around him. Of course, he noticed the indescribable smear of red and gore on the concrete some ten meters in front of him. His brain was still processing the terrifying possibility of where it could have come from when he noticed the boy calmly stepping into the scene of despair.
Several hundred meters in the open sea, LeviamonÆs body jerked inhumanly, as the visage of Matsuda Takato gave Katou Juri strength to resist LeviamonÆs urge to turn him into a second smear right away.
Naturally, Takato eyes fell on what once had been Makino Ruki.
ôRukiàö He smiled tenderly and sadly. ôIt matters not. IÆll Dream the Eighth after IÆm done here.ö
Even if Matsuda Takato disappeared, he would not allow Makino Ruki to follow him. More than anything, he wanted her to live and be happy.
His eyes looked at the distance, where he felt the other former Tamer fighting a battle of wills she could not possibly win.
ôKatou-sanàö A bitter chuckle. ôIÆm sorry, but I probably wonÆt be calling your name, ever.ö
The salty breeze from the sea played with his messy hair, creating a fake image of peace and calmness.
ôStill, IÆll bring you back. IÆll save you. Andàö
He shook his head. Better not to get ahead of himself.
ôTakatoà?ö
His tender smiling face fell on the other Tamer, a boy he admired for his intellect, his tolerance and his kindness.
ôàJenrya,ö he called with a voice full of love. It was as if his emotions were bursting like novas before fading into oblivion. ôItÆs okay now. IàI will fight now.ö
Jenrya and Galgomon could feel it; in TakatoÆs voice, in TakatoÆs stance, and in that unsettling expression on peaceful resignation on his face. They were less than ten meters away, but that boy who had fought by their side suddenly felt so far awayà
It was just like Jenrya had always feared. It was not he who distanced himself from the Tamers by going to a different school. It was Takato who walked a road nobody else could follow.
ôTakatoàö the boy repeated his call, this time reflecting the sadness of one who knows heÆs about to lose something precious.
The DreamerÆs eyes fell on the large blood stain by his feet. After staring at the remains of Makino Ruki for about two seconds, he looked at Jenrya once more. For the last time.
ôI didnÆtàI never wished for you to get involved in this.ö
Had it been entirely up to him, there would have been no other Digimon Tamers besides him. But he had no other choice at that time. With the number of wild Digimon increasing beyond those Lucemon would send and the threat of Zhuqiaomon looming in the near future, Takato knew he could not do everything himself. He could not fight all battles on his own. And, admittedly, he had secretly wished to experience the joy of having a friend fight by his side, just like he had followed that precious person.
ôCan you do me a favor, Jen? Galgomon? Could you say something to Ruki for me, next time you see her?ö
Galgomon made a strange face at that.
ôBut, Takato, Ruki isàö
ôTell heràjust tell heràö Takato continued, mindless of what Galgomon had to say. ôàÆIÆm sorryÆ.ö
ôIÆm sorry I touched your heart.ö
ôIÆm sorry I destroyed your peaceful days.ö
ôIÆm sorry I could not protect you.ö
ôTakatoà!ö Jenrya gasped out, futilely trying to free himself from his partnerÆs grasp to reach his distant friend.
TakatoÆs tearsàsomehow, TakatoÆs crying face struck him in a way only the departure of his Digimon partner struck him ever before.
ôIÆm sorryàI intruded in your lives, 'Digimon Tamers'.ö
The Biggest Dreamer scanned the Lucemon card through his D-Arc, and the Tokyo marina was flooded by light and raging gales.
After clenching his fists in pain and regret, he reached for his deck to find that card.
I neveràwished for things to be like this.
Even after he had made his choice, even if he was aware there was no other way, even as his steps pulled him forward to Leviamon, he hesitated.
He chuckled bitterly at his reluctance to scan this card.
I guessàIÆm still human after all.
To feel sadness, regret and anger at RukiÆs and RenamonÆs deaths, that was the clearest sign that LucemonÆs Game had not yet stripped him of his humanity.
However, that was the core of the problem.
A human did not have the power to defeat Lucemon.
The Game would reach the next stage now. To fight, and defeat the Demon Lords. So this was for the best.
He needed the power to defeat the Demon Lords by himself. This was something he would not, could not, rely on the Tamers for. This was as much his kindness as it was his pride.
He just wished he had been able to delay this fight until he had finished his little side project.
Oh well.
****************************************
ôGalgomon, I canÆt see,ö Jenrya complained weakly, and his partner made sure things stayed like that.
ôItÆs okay, Jenàö Nothing but empty words. Maybe Galgomon did not want JenryaÆs last emotion to be panic, but keeping him in the dark was not helping. ôIÆll try toàhuh?ö
Feeling the larger DigimonÆs grip on him weaken all of a sudden, Jenrya seized the chance to push his head over GalgomonÆs arms to catch a glimpse of the world around him. Of course, he noticed the indescribable smear of red and gore on the concrete some ten meters in front of him. His brain was still processing the terrifying possibility of where it could have come from when he noticed the boy calmly stepping into the scene of despair.
Several hundred meters in the open sea, LeviamonÆs body jerked inhumanly, as the visage of Matsuda Takato gave Katou Juri strength to resist LeviamonÆs urge to turn him into a second smear right away.
Naturally, Takato eyes fell on what once had been Makino Ruki.
ôRukiàö He smiled tenderly and sadly. ôIt matters not. IÆll Dream the Eighth after IÆm done here.ö
Even if Matsuda Takato disappeared, he would not allow Makino Ruki to follow him. More than anything, he wanted her to live and be happy.
His eyes looked at the distance, where he felt the other former Tamer fighting a battle of wills she could not possibly win.
ôKatou-sanàö A bitter chuckle. ôIÆm sorry, but I probably wonÆt be calling your name, ever.ö
The salty breeze from the sea played with his messy hair, creating a fake image of peace and calmness.
ôStill, IÆll bring you back. IÆll save you. Andàö
He shook his head. Better not to get ahead of himself.
ôTakatoà?ö
His tender smiling face fell on the other Tamer, a boy he admired for his intellect, his tolerance and his kindness.
ôàJenrya,ö he called with a voice full of love. It was as if his emotions were bursting like novas before fading into oblivion. ôItÆs okay now. IàI will fight now.ö
Jenrya and Galgomon could feel it; in TakatoÆs voice, in TakatoÆs stance, and in that unsettling expression on peaceful resignation on his face. They were less than ten meters away, but that boy who had fought by their side suddenly felt so far awayà
It was just like Jenrya had always feared. It was not he who distanced himself from the Tamers by going to a different school. It was Takato who walked a road nobody else could follow.
ôTakatoàö the boy repeated his call, this time reflecting the sadness of one who knows heÆs about to lose something precious.
The DreamerÆs eyes fell on the large blood stain by his feet. After staring at the remains of Makino Ruki for about two seconds, he looked at Jenrya once more. For the last time.
ôI didnÆtàI never wished for you to get involved in this.ö
Had it been entirely up to him, there would have been no other Digimon Tamers besides him. But he had no other choice at that time. With the number of wild Digimon increasing beyond those Lucemon would send and the threat of Zhuqiaomon looming in the near future, Takato knew he could not do everything himself. He could not fight all battles on his own. And, admittedly, he had secretly wished to experience the joy of having a friend fight by his side, just like he had followed that precious person.
ôCan you do me a favor, Jen? Galgomon? Could you say something to Ruki for me, next time you see her?ö
Galgomon made a strange face at that.
ôBut, Takato, Ruki isàö
ôTell heràjust tell heràö Takato continued, mindless of what Galgomon had to say. ôàÆIÆm sorryÆ.ö
ôIÆm sorry I touched your heart.ö
ôIÆm sorry I destroyed your peaceful days.ö
ôIÆm sorry I could not protect you.ö
ôTakatoà!ö Jenrya gasped out, futilely trying to free himself from his partnerÆs grasp to reach his distant friend.
TakatoÆs tearsàsomehow, TakatoÆs crying face struck him in a way only the departure of his Digimon partner struck him ever before.
ôIÆm sorryàI intruded in your lives, 'Digimon Tamers'.ö
The Biggest Dreamer scanned the Lucemon card through his D-Arc, and the Tokyo marina was flooded by light and raging gales.
He stood outside the Game Room, in the midst of the vast ôGardens of Babylonö. This was because, for this short moment, his soul was an untouchable fortress.
For this short moment, the Game Room did not exist.
ôI seeàö Takato muttered sadly, his hands reaching for a rapidly shriveling pink rose. ôSo this is really my soulàö
Brown leaves and dead petals were swept away by a chilling breeze. All around him, he could see the flowers, the fragments of his soul, the pieces of Matsuda Takato, rapidly falling apart. The Gardens had been in decadence for years already, ever since he first stepped in their once immaculate roads. He had just vastly accelerated the process.
It was the Degradation of his soul, the natural consequence of all the unnatural things he had done ever since he discovered the power within him.
ôItÆs okayàö he said to himself. ôSoon, the Degradation will not be an issue anymore.ö
There was a flicker of gold.
ôTakato.ö
His chest tickled at that beloved voice, and he cursed his weak mind for torturing him so.
ôGuilmonàö
Of course, this was but a projection. An image built on his precious memories of the one he had called partner.
ôTakatoàö the large Reptile Digimon purred as he rubbed his snout against the boyÆs chest. Takato did not hesitate to return his partnerÆs affection and placed his arms around GuilmonÆs neck, pushing him closer.
ôTakato.ö
It was a faint voice, coming from far away. Takato found her in the distance, vaguely distinguishable, standing near the horizon, her long ponytail dancing madly in the breeze. Even from so far away, he could see her hands planted on her hips. She stood as proud and strong as he remembered her.
ôOnee-chan.ö
Even from so far away, he could feel her smile.
ôI think itÆs the first time you call me by my name, onee-chan,ö he said as he chuckled.
He turned his attention briefly to Guilmon, finding bliss in the DigimonÆs enjoyment of his tender ministrations.
ôIàI guess in the end, IÆve done nothing but disappoint you two.ö
Takato shook his head, ignoring his rapidly watering eyes.
ôIÆm not the strong person you believed I was, onee-chan, Guilmon. I wasànot able to live the way you wanted me to.ö
His eyes sought that precious person in the distance.
ôBut I have to do this. To defeat Lucemon, once and for all.ö
Guilmon looked up at his TamerÆs teary eyes when he felt TakatoÆs tender touch replaced by a desperate grip.
ôIt has to be me! There will not be another player!ö
His head fell on the nape of GuilmonÆs neck.
ôSoàsoàö
What was he expecting? He did not know.
But he trembled when a hand fell on his hair, stroking it gently.
ôItÆs okayàö
Takato sobbed in GuilmonÆs neck. Her voiceàhe still remembered her voice.
Everything about her, heà!
ôUm! ItÆs okay,ö the Digimon echoed the girl, allowing his Tamer to cry on his hard skin. ôI believe in Takato, so itÆs okay!ö
ôAah,ö the girl with the beloved voice spoke over him. ôLive your life however you want to, Takato. Just live it with pride.ö
He snorted at the joke probably only he and she understood.
ôOur pride. Not his.ö
ôUmu!ö the girl assented passionately.
He wanted to laugh. He knew they were just fakes. They appeared because his soul called out to them, and their words were merely the words he wanted to hear. Still, he abandoned himself to this final delusion.
He was, after all, only human.
Takato hugged his partner desperately, and allowed the girl behind him to wrap him in her warmth.
ôIÆm sorry, GuilmonàI loved you, but I still used youàö
ôItÆs okay,ö the Digimon repeated. ôI believe in you. I was happy to be together with you.ö
ôIÆm sorry, onee-chanàI loved you, but I couldnÆt save youàö
ôItÆs okay,ö the girl whispered, tenderly, lovingly. It was a tone he had only heard in her last moments. ôI was happy to live the life I lived. Even if only you can remember meàthat is enough.ö
Takato sniffed, trying his best not to look any more pathetic than he did already.
ôIàI loved you, you know. Before Katou-san, you were my firstàö
The girl chuckled merrily.
ôàstupid shrimp. You were born too late.ö
Takato chuckled.
ôYou were born too early, onee-chan.ö
There was a pause, as Takato realized there was nothing more to be said.
ôI have to go.ö
ôUm!ö Guilmon nodded happily. ôDo your best, Takato!ö
ôNo biggie!ö the older girl added. ôBeat the monster, save the girl, fix the doll. You can do that.ö
Takato made a strange face at the choice of words, but said nothing before pulling away from the two figments of his imagination. Their shapes weakened and became faded as he allowed the power to course his body. The Lucemon data in the card was integrated with his own, finding matching sections of his own personal code and rewriting them.
Matsuda Takato was not Lucemon. However, his personal code was as close to LucemonÆs as it could be without it actually being LucemonÆs.
No.
It was the other way around, wasnÆt it?
ôBye-bye,ö he said, allowing himself one last smile. The two figures returned him eagerly before becoming nothingness, and then the Gardens, too, were flooded with light.
****************************************
Small flakes of glowing data bits floated around the clearing in the park; fragments of the shattered cocoon. It made for a beautiful sight, but the Tamers only had eyes for what had been revealed. First that earthquake, and now this.
ôOhàthisà.this is not goodàö Hirokazu muttered, and the others had to bitterly agree.
Three of them.
There were three of them now.
Justimon wondered just how they would get out of this one.
ôDamn it, Terriermon was right: where the hellÆs that Impmon when you need him?ö GuardromonÆs partner loudly insisted. Ryo thought it was rather annoying.
AntiramonÆs eyes were fixated on the three almost-identical figures, which allowed Shiuchon to scan them with her Analyzer.
ôChaosDukemon Red. A Dark Knight Digimon at the Ultimate Level. Virus Type. A ChaosDukemon that has been optimized for defense with a new armor of Red Chrome Digizoid.ö
ôChaosDukemon Blue. Dark Knight Digimon, Ultimate Level, Virus Type. A ChaosDukemon that has been optimized for speed with a new armor of Blue Chrome Digizoid.ö
ôChaosDukemon Gold. Dark Knight Digimon, Ultimate Level, Virus Type. A ChaosDukemon optimized for offensive power with a new armor of Gold Chrome Digizoid.ö
ôThey all have the same special attacks: DemonÆs Disaster and Judecca Prison.ö
Where once only black had been seen, highlights of their respective namesake colors covered parts of their entire armors, in addition to the parts which had been blue in the original ChaosDukemon. The sides of their breastplates, the pommel of their lances and the outer circumference of their shields had been re-colored in this way. Furthermore, the Zero Unit which adorned DukemonÆs Aegis had been replaced by the bleak and ominous radiance of the Crest of Pride.
Ryo was still pondering their next course of action when the ground under the three ChaosDukemonÆs feet wavered and distorted in a familiar way.
ôIs thatà?ö
ôItÆs a Gate,ö Ryo answered ShiuchonÆs incomplete question, but otherwise mutely watched as the three ChaosDukemon sunk into the ground as they were pulled into the foggy, murky depths.
It was a strange Gate; normally they would be able to see more on the other side besides fog and darkness. It was somewhat disturbing.
ôPhew!ö Hirokazu sighed as he slumped on the grass. ôWell, that was convenient.ö
ôToo convenient.ö
Of all people, it was Guardromon who said those words. MarinAngemon, who rested on the bulky robotÆs head, apparently chirped in agreement.
While Shiuchon seemed to be confused by the statement, Ryo could only agree. For that kind of threat to show up just to depart without doing a thing was not normal. This whole situation had never been normal. Something, or someone, was obviously behind this unusual script.
His thoughts traveled to Ruki and Jenrya. He had a really bad feeling about this, and his worry for the missing Tamers was increasing rapidly.
And then the eastern horizon shone with a radiant gold that filled the sky.
It was something Shiuchon, Hirokazu and their partners had seen once before, but the magnitude this time could not begin to be compared. The city, already mostly paralyzed by the latest Digimon crisis, reached absolute stillness as every single person with a means to watch the sky was almost blinded by the radiance.
ôRyo!ö Hirokazu exclaimed, eager to move but not willing to do so on his own.
ôNii-sanàö the small girl muttered achingly, suddenly fearing for her siblingÆs fate.
The Legendary Tamer nodded to himself. There was nothing else for them in the park.
ôLetÆs move.ö
For this short moment, the Game Room did not exist.
ôI seeàö Takato muttered sadly, his hands reaching for a rapidly shriveling pink rose. ôSo this is really my soulàö
Brown leaves and dead petals were swept away by a chilling breeze. All around him, he could see the flowers, the fragments of his soul, the pieces of Matsuda Takato, rapidly falling apart. The Gardens had been in decadence for years already, ever since he first stepped in their once immaculate roads. He had just vastly accelerated the process.
It was the Degradation of his soul, the natural consequence of all the unnatural things he had done ever since he discovered the power within him.
ôItÆs okayàö he said to himself. ôSoon, the Degradation will not be an issue anymore.ö
There was a flicker of gold.
ôTakato.ö
His chest tickled at that beloved voice, and he cursed his weak mind for torturing him so.
ôGuilmonàö
Of course, this was but a projection. An image built on his precious memories of the one he had called partner.
ôTakatoàö the large Reptile Digimon purred as he rubbed his snout against the boyÆs chest. Takato did not hesitate to return his partnerÆs affection and placed his arms around GuilmonÆs neck, pushing him closer.
ôTakato.ö
It was a faint voice, coming from far away. Takato found her in the distance, vaguely distinguishable, standing near the horizon, her long ponytail dancing madly in the breeze. Even from so far away, he could see her hands planted on her hips. She stood as proud and strong as he remembered her.
ôOnee-chan.ö
Even from so far away, he could feel her smile.
ôI think itÆs the first time you call me by my name, onee-chan,ö he said as he chuckled.
He turned his attention briefly to Guilmon, finding bliss in the DigimonÆs enjoyment of his tender ministrations.
ôIàI guess in the end, IÆve done nothing but disappoint you two.ö
Takato shook his head, ignoring his rapidly watering eyes.
ôIÆm not the strong person you believed I was, onee-chan, Guilmon. I wasànot able to live the way you wanted me to.ö
His eyes sought that precious person in the distance.
ôBut I have to do this. To defeat Lucemon, once and for all.ö
Guilmon looked up at his TamerÆs teary eyes when he felt TakatoÆs tender touch replaced by a desperate grip.
ôIt has to be me! There will not be another player!ö
His head fell on the nape of GuilmonÆs neck.
ôSoàsoàö
What was he expecting? He did not know.
But he trembled when a hand fell on his hair, stroking it gently.
ôItÆs okayàö
Takato sobbed in GuilmonÆs neck. Her voiceàhe still remembered her voice.
Everything about her, heà!
ôUm! ItÆs okay,ö the Digimon echoed the girl, allowing his Tamer to cry on his hard skin. ôI believe in Takato, so itÆs okay!ö
ôAah,ö the girl with the beloved voice spoke over him. ôLive your life however you want to, Takato. Just live it with pride.ö
He snorted at the joke probably only he and she understood.
ôOur pride. Not his.ö
ôUmu!ö the girl assented passionately.
He wanted to laugh. He knew they were just fakes. They appeared because his soul called out to them, and their words were merely the words he wanted to hear. Still, he abandoned himself to this final delusion.
He was, after all, only human.
Takato hugged his partner desperately, and allowed the girl behind him to wrap him in her warmth.
ôIÆm sorry, GuilmonàI loved you, but I still used youàö
ôItÆs okay,ö the Digimon repeated. ôI believe in you. I was happy to be together with you.ö
ôIÆm sorry, onee-chanàI loved you, but I couldnÆt save youàö
ôItÆs okay,ö the girl whispered, tenderly, lovingly. It was a tone he had only heard in her last moments. ôI was happy to live the life I lived. Even if only you can remember meàthat is enough.ö
Takato sniffed, trying his best not to look any more pathetic than he did already.
ôIàI loved you, you know. Before Katou-san, you were my firstàö
The girl chuckled merrily.
ôàstupid shrimp. You were born too late.ö
Takato chuckled.
ôYou were born too early, onee-chan.ö
There was a pause, as Takato realized there was nothing more to be said.
ôI have to go.ö
ôUm!ö Guilmon nodded happily. ôDo your best, Takato!ö
ôNo biggie!ö the older girl added. ôBeat the monster, save the girl, fix the doll. You can do that.ö
Takato made a strange face at the choice of words, but said nothing before pulling away from the two figments of his imagination. Their shapes weakened and became faded as he allowed the power to course his body. The Lucemon data in the card was integrated with his own, finding matching sections of his own personal code and rewriting them.
Matsuda Takato was not Lucemon. However, his personal code was as close to LucemonÆs as it could be without it actually being LucemonÆs.
No.
It was the other way around, wasnÆt it?
ôBye-bye,ö he said, allowing himself one last smile. The two figures returned him eagerly before becoming nothingness, and then the Gardens, too, were flooded with light.
****************************************
Small flakes of glowing data bits floated around the clearing in the park; fragments of the shattered cocoon. It made for a beautiful sight, but the Tamers only had eyes for what had been revealed. First that earthquake, and now this.
ôOhàthisà.this is not goodàö Hirokazu muttered, and the others had to bitterly agree.
Three of them.
There were three of them now.
Justimon wondered just how they would get out of this one.
ôDamn it, Terriermon was right: where the hellÆs that Impmon when you need him?ö GuardromonÆs partner loudly insisted. Ryo thought it was rather annoying.
AntiramonÆs eyes were fixated on the three almost-identical figures, which allowed Shiuchon to scan them with her Analyzer.
ôChaosDukemon Red. A Dark Knight Digimon at the Ultimate Level. Virus Type. A ChaosDukemon that has been optimized for defense with a new armor of Red Chrome Digizoid.ö
ôChaosDukemon Blue. Dark Knight Digimon, Ultimate Level, Virus Type. A ChaosDukemon that has been optimized for speed with a new armor of Blue Chrome Digizoid.ö
ôChaosDukemon Gold. Dark Knight Digimon, Ultimate Level, Virus Type. A ChaosDukemon optimized for offensive power with a new armor of Gold Chrome Digizoid.ö
ôThey all have the same special attacks: DemonÆs Disaster and Judecca Prison.ö
Where once only black had been seen, highlights of their respective namesake colors covered parts of their entire armors, in addition to the parts which had been blue in the original ChaosDukemon. The sides of their breastplates, the pommel of their lances and the outer circumference of their shields had been re-colored in this way. Furthermore, the Zero Unit which adorned DukemonÆs Aegis had been replaced by the bleak and ominous radiance of the Crest of Pride.
Ryo was still pondering their next course of action when the ground under the three ChaosDukemonÆs feet wavered and distorted in a familiar way.
ôIs thatà?ö
ôItÆs a Gate,ö Ryo answered ShiuchonÆs incomplete question, but otherwise mutely watched as the three ChaosDukemon sunk into the ground as they were pulled into the foggy, murky depths.
It was a strange Gate; normally they would be able to see more on the other side besides fog and darkness. It was somewhat disturbing.
ôPhew!ö Hirokazu sighed as he slumped on the grass. ôWell, that was convenient.ö
ôToo convenient.ö
Of all people, it was Guardromon who said those words. MarinAngemon, who rested on the bulky robotÆs head, apparently chirped in agreement.
While Shiuchon seemed to be confused by the statement, Ryo could only agree. For that kind of threat to show up just to depart without doing a thing was not normal. This whole situation had never been normal. Something, or someone, was obviously behind this unusual script.
His thoughts traveled to Ruki and Jenrya. He had a really bad feeling about this, and his worry for the missing Tamers was increasing rapidly.
And then the eastern horizon shone with a radiant gold that filled the sky.
It was something Shiuchon, Hirokazu and their partners had seen once before, but the magnitude this time could not begin to be compared. The city, already mostly paralyzed by the latest Digimon crisis, reached absolute stillness as every single person with a means to watch the sky was almost blinded by the radiance.
ôRyo!ö Hirokazu exclaimed, eager to move but not willing to do so on his own.
ôNii-sanàö the small girl muttered achingly, suddenly fearing for her siblingÆs fate.
The Legendary Tamer nodded to himself. There was nothing else for them in the park.
ôLetÆs move.ö
Yeah, so I wrote a lot today. Sue me.
*******************************************
*******************************************
The Game Room was once more. The seats were once more, the board was once more, and the two opponents faced each other once more.
Lucemon was aware he had recovered his voice, but he still took his time to admire the cocoon of light with now surrounded Takato and concealed his transformation.
Chuckling to himself, having quickly recovered from the blow to his ego dealt by the Crest of Dreams, the fallen angel nodded in approval of TakatoÆs sacrifice.
Finally, the Alternate Path was fully revealed. The Game, and Matsuda Takato, would never be the same again.
ôSince you wonÆt, I might as well say it, my dear Takato,ö the amused angel teasingly retorted, ignoring Lilithmon curious glances.
He chuckled again.
ôLucemon, evolve toàö
*******************************************
The light enveloped the world receded into a sphere of golden data fragments roughly the size of an adult human. Jenrya hopelessly called out his friendÆs name, but Matsuda Takato did not exist.
A distance away, Leviamon hissed in frustration and a tinge of fear. It was that power again! He should have struck before the boy unleashed that power.
On a positive note, the girlÆs resistance had ceased, seemingly muted by the same power that disturbed the Demon Lord. What was she expecting, anyway? She knew the boy had this power, did she really expect him not to fight?
And so it began.
ôRostrum!ö Leviamon announced his intent to kill.
ôAHIH.ö
The source is Thelema. The language is Hebrew. The schema is Gematria.
By calling the name EheiehùôI amöù, he summoned an ideal territory of peace. Within this boundary, no harm would be permitted.
A titanic force like a giant maw fell upon the docks, clashing against the all-directional barrier of white light which had been conjured. A shockwave raged across the length of the marina as the force of the massive attack was diverted from its original target. Jenrya screamed and Galgomon held him as strong as he could without breaking him as the barrier, ample enough to protect them as well, held the fury of a Demon Lord. All around them, however, cargo containers were flung away like pebbles, and the sea raged as it was buffeted by furious gales.
As the pandemonium stopped, the sphere of light broke apart, revealing the impossible existence within.
A Digimon not of the Digital World. Like Guilmon, it was a Digimon as original as a Digimon could be.
Jenrya had seen the card. It had been released in the first Booster collection following the whole D-Reaper ordeal. He still remembered TakatoÆs strange reaction when it popped in the first pack he bought, on the very same day it had been released.
BO-610. Lucemon.
However, this creature was not Lucemon.
For starters, it still carried the base appearance of Matsuda Takato. Had he not know otherwise, Jenrya would have believed his good friend was suddenly into cosplay.
But it still looked like Lucemon.
TakatoÆs hair had changed to a light blond, just like LucemonÆs.
His pupils had changed to a cerulean blue, just like LucemonÆs.
He was wearing a toga, just like LucemonÆs.
Odd markings covered his bare skin, just like LucemonÆs.
Twelve feathered wings swayed gently behind him, just like LucemonÆs.
But that was where the similarities ended, and the stark differences began.
As stated before, this was no child. This was a boy in the onset of puberty, like Matsuda Takato.
His blue pupils were circled by rings of gold, separating them from the white sclera.
His toga was not a pristine white, but that of pigment indigo; one of the oldest dyes used as far back as the ancient Egyptian and Akkadian civilizations.
Instead of the Digital Hazard, there was an odd emblem on his left hand: two arrowheads pointing in opposite directions, the point where they met covered by a five-leaved clover. It was the so-called Unicursal Hexagram.
The tattoo-like markings on his body were also different, and they reminded Jenrya of characters of Middle-Eastern languages.
And the wings, they were not fully white. There was a faint golden hue to them, as if dust of the precious metal had been sprinkled on them.
This was no Lucemon. But this was no Matsuda Takato, either.
Galgomon had been staring at the new entity as well, and Jenrya naturally turned his gaze to his Digivice (Did it still work after all the sea water?).
NO DATA
ôàfigures,ö the boy muttered with a hint of dark humor.
It was loud enough to catch the angel-beingÆs attention.
ôUmm, Jenà?ö GalgomonÆs subtle inquiry as to their next action.
Jenrya returned the angelÆs stare, trying his very best not to show fear or nervousness. It did not seem to matter in the end; the stare of the thing-that-was-not-his-friend showed no emotion or even interest in JenryaÆs expression.
ôàgo away.ö
It was Matsuda TakatoÆs voice. Flat and inexpressive, but undeniably his.
ôI cannot protect you from now on.ö
His blue eyes glanced at the device in JenryaÆs hand for a moment, before looking away and walking to the very edge of the ocean. Galgomon followed him with his eyes, but JenryaÆs eyes were on the new image displayed by his D-ArcÆs projection.
Lucemon Magus Mode
Level: Adult
Type: Demon Man
Attribute: Data
Jenrya frowned and winced at the last lines. He could not make any sense of the katakana. It was probably not supposed to mean English words.
In the open sea, Leviamon evaluated his next attack. If the boy would always retaliate with that barrier, it would be become a battle of attrition Leviamon was confident he would win, butàwas there not a quicker way?
*****************************************
Lilithmon finally understood the expression ôlike a fish out of waterö.
There was no other way to explain how she feltùor how she lookedùat the moment.
Millenniumon was must better at concealing his surprise, though.
ôHow interestingàö
The original Digimon, seated on TakatoÆs red, black and gold chair, eased confidently on its back and faced the Digimon across the table with a bored expression.
ôàLucemon.ö
The Avatar of Pride chuckled merrily, making up for the otherÆs lack of expression with a radiant, triumphant smile.
ôàLucemon,ö he replied.
ôYou look happy.ö
ôOh, I am,ö Lucemon answered. ôMy Takato sure knows how to please me.ö
ôàis that so,ö Lucemon uttered matter-of-factly before looking down at the board. Seven pieces were moving towards him and Leviamon: three Tamers and four Digimon.
ôàbothersome.ö
He doubted he could defeat Leviamon before they arrived. He also doubted he could protect them all if they stepped into LeviamonÆs insane attack range. Furthermore, he also doubted he could stopped them with The Black Covenant at this pointùtheir worry over Ruki and Jenrya would defeat whatever qualms they had against going to the sea.
The choice was obvious, then.
He had to push Leviamon further away from shore. Upon finding Jenrya, they probably would not move any further.
ôVery well. I shall put an end to Leviamon now.ö
ôConfident, are we?ö
Lucemon said no more.
Neither of the two.
It was time to fight.
*******************************************
*******************************************
The Game Room was once more. The seats were once more, the board was once more, and the two opponents faced each other once more.
Lucemon was aware he had recovered his voice, but he still took his time to admire the cocoon of light with now surrounded Takato and concealed his transformation.
Chuckling to himself, having quickly recovered from the blow to his ego dealt by the Crest of Dreams, the fallen angel nodded in approval of TakatoÆs sacrifice.
Finally, the Alternate Path was fully revealed. The Game, and Matsuda Takato, would never be the same again.
ôSince you wonÆt, I might as well say it, my dear Takato,ö the amused angel teasingly retorted, ignoring Lilithmon curious glances.
He chuckled again.
ôLucemon, evolve toàö
*******************************************
The light enveloped the world receded into a sphere of golden data fragments roughly the size of an adult human. Jenrya hopelessly called out his friendÆs name, but Matsuda Takato did not exist.
A distance away, Leviamon hissed in frustration and a tinge of fear. It was that power again! He should have struck before the boy unleashed that power.
On a positive note, the girlÆs resistance had ceased, seemingly muted by the same power that disturbed the Demon Lord. What was she expecting, anyway? She knew the boy had this power, did she really expect him not to fight?
And so it began.
ôRostrum!ö Leviamon announced his intent to kill.
ôAHIH.ö
The source is Thelema. The language is Hebrew. The schema is Gematria.
By calling the name EheiehùôI amöù, he summoned an ideal territory of peace. Within this boundary, no harm would be permitted.
A titanic force like a giant maw fell upon the docks, clashing against the all-directional barrier of white light which had been conjured. A shockwave raged across the length of the marina as the force of the massive attack was diverted from its original target. Jenrya screamed and Galgomon held him as strong as he could without breaking him as the barrier, ample enough to protect them as well, held the fury of a Demon Lord. All around them, however, cargo containers were flung away like pebbles, and the sea raged as it was buffeted by furious gales.
As the pandemonium stopped, the sphere of light broke apart, revealing the impossible existence within.
A Digimon not of the Digital World. Like Guilmon, it was a Digimon as original as a Digimon could be.
Jenrya had seen the card. It had been released in the first Booster collection following the whole D-Reaper ordeal. He still remembered TakatoÆs strange reaction when it popped in the first pack he bought, on the very same day it had been released.
BO-610. Lucemon.
However, this creature was not Lucemon.
For starters, it still carried the base appearance of Matsuda Takato. Had he not know otherwise, Jenrya would have believed his good friend was suddenly into cosplay.
But it still looked like Lucemon.
TakatoÆs hair had changed to a light blond, just like LucemonÆs.
His pupils had changed to a cerulean blue, just like LucemonÆs.
He was wearing a toga, just like LucemonÆs.
Odd markings covered his bare skin, just like LucemonÆs.
Twelve feathered wings swayed gently behind him, just like LucemonÆs.
But that was where the similarities ended, and the stark differences began.
As stated before, this was no child. This was a boy in the onset of puberty, like Matsuda Takato.
His blue pupils were circled by rings of gold, separating them from the white sclera.
His toga was not a pristine white, but that of pigment indigo; one of the oldest dyes used as far back as the ancient Egyptian and Akkadian civilizations.
Instead of the Digital Hazard, there was an odd emblem on his left hand: two arrowheads pointing in opposite directions, the point where they met covered by a five-leaved clover. It was the so-called Unicursal Hexagram.
The tattoo-like markings on his body were also different, and they reminded Jenrya of characters of Middle-Eastern languages.
And the wings, they were not fully white. There was a faint golden hue to them, as if dust of the precious metal had been sprinkled on them.
This was no Lucemon. But this was no Matsuda Takato, either.
Galgomon had been staring at the new entity as well, and Jenrya naturally turned his gaze to his Digivice (Did it still work after all the sea water?).
NO DATA
ôàfigures,ö the boy muttered with a hint of dark humor.
It was loud enough to catch the angel-beingÆs attention.
ôUmm, Jenà?ö GalgomonÆs subtle inquiry as to their next action.
Jenrya returned the angelÆs stare, trying his very best not to show fear or nervousness. It did not seem to matter in the end; the stare of the thing-that-was-not-his-friend showed no emotion or even interest in JenryaÆs expression.
ôàgo away.ö
It was Matsuda TakatoÆs voice. Flat and inexpressive, but undeniably his.
ôI cannot protect you from now on.ö
His blue eyes glanced at the device in JenryaÆs hand for a moment, before looking away and walking to the very edge of the ocean. Galgomon followed him with his eyes, but JenryaÆs eyes were on the new image displayed by his D-ArcÆs projection.
Lucemon Magus Mode
Level: Adult
Type: Demon Man
Attribute: Data
Jenrya frowned and winced at the last lines. He could not make any sense of the katakana. It was probably not supposed to mean English words.
In the open sea, Leviamon evaluated his next attack. If the boy would always retaliate with that barrier, it would be become a battle of attrition Leviamon was confident he would win, butàwas there not a quicker way?
*****************************************
Lilithmon finally understood the expression ôlike a fish out of waterö.
There was no other way to explain how she feltùor how she lookedùat the moment.
Millenniumon was must better at concealing his surprise, though.
ôHow interestingàö
The original Digimon, seated on TakatoÆs red, black and gold chair, eased confidently on its back and faced the Digimon across the table with a bored expression.
ôàLucemon.ö
The Avatar of Pride chuckled merrily, making up for the otherÆs lack of expression with a radiant, triumphant smile.
ôàLucemon,ö he replied.
ôYou look happy.ö
ôOh, I am,ö Lucemon answered. ôMy Takato sure knows how to please me.ö
ôàis that so,ö Lucemon uttered matter-of-factly before looking down at the board. Seven pieces were moving towards him and Leviamon: three Tamers and four Digimon.
ôàbothersome.ö
He doubted he could defeat Leviamon before they arrived. He also doubted he could protect them all if they stepped into LeviamonÆs insane attack range. Furthermore, he also doubted he could stopped them with The Black Covenant at this pointùtheir worry over Ruki and Jenrya would defeat whatever qualms they had against going to the sea.
The choice was obvious, then.
He had to push Leviamon further away from shore. Upon finding Jenrya, they probably would not move any further.
ôVery well. I shall put an end to Leviamon now.ö
ôConfident, are we?ö
Lucemon said no more.
Neither of the two.
It was time to fight.
rather then sue, hugs! awesome, yet saddening. Will Takato recover? I also wonder both what Takato will do in between demon lord fights, and what parts of the world bending powers of Lucemon he has that he can combine with his own. Is a new Guilmon possible? Can he make a gate back into the human world from the Dark Area, and if he has any of those powers has he also lost dreaming power?
And also, what about that last bomb there?
And also, what about that last bomb there?
Awesome updates! I've enjoyed how the story has been upping the intesity as it's gone on and now it definetly has reached a new stage.
So is Magus Mode the start of entire new line of Lucemon evolutions created by Takato with his side project designing a new perfect and ultimate forms along with the adult form he's currently in?
Can Takato still modify himself with the power of his cards or his Crest in this state?
So is Magus Mode the start of entire new line of Lucemon evolutions created by Takato with his side project designing a new perfect and ultimate forms along with the adult form he's currently in?
Can Takato still modify himself with the power of his cards or his Crest in this state?
ôThe source is Thelema. The language is English. The schema is Gematria.ö
LucemonÆs quiet and calm tone did not match the intrinsic tension of the moment as he explained the magical procedure he was about to follow.
ôBLUTGANG.ö
In English Gematria, the word ôBlutgangö equals 504. That was the number of copies of Dukemon Crimson ModeÆs holy sword which instantly appeared around Lucemon, held in the air by an unknown force. He ignored JenryaÆs gasping behind him.
ôFire.ö
To this point Matsuda Takato had always manually wielded the weapons he had Dreamed. That did not mean he could not launch them from the empty air the way Lucemon had just done so. He simply did not do it because it was unnatural for swords to float in the air and the fly like arrows at supersonic speed. It was an unnecessary source of Degradation.
However, to Lucemon Magus Mode, only the objective exists. To hold back is anathema to him, and things like Degradation will not stop him from doing what he believes must be done. While the actual transformation causes a considerable amount of Degradation itself, it is this lack of care for TakatoÆs well-being that makes Magus Mode particularly dangerous to use.
Hurricane-like winds buffeted the docks when an invisible force swatted away the supersonic blades like mosquitoes, every single one of them. The Demon ManÆs blue eyes narrowed.
It had been invisible once. Not any longer.
Like a mirage, he could see the outline of the massive threat around the distant figure of Katou Juri. They extended upwards into the vast sky, and yet Lucemon knew those were just the tips of LeviamonÆs tails.
With its impossible size, was there really a limit to LeviamonÆs range of attack?
There did not seem to be a limit to its voice, in any case.
ôCauda!ö
ôAHIH.ö
World-shattering force met barrier once more. Lucemon not only noticed the attack was weaker this time; it also appeared to be focused entirely on himùthe crushing force did not reach JenryaÆs and GalgomonÆs position, and Lucemon had been able to adjust the barrier accordingly.
Of course.
Rostrum was simply a bite with its huge and powerful maw. Cauda was a whipping attack with its gigantic tails. No matter how large Leviamon was, its tails were definitely narrower and longer than its head. Thus, Cauda sacrificed destructive power for precision (as much as Leviamon could achieve) and range.
While Lucemon made this analysis, Leviamon in the guise of Katou Juri smiled pleasantly.
ôWhat a beautiful and powerful barrier,ö it said melodiously. ôIt makes me jealous.ö
In response to those simple yet meaningful words, blue traces of light began to assemble around and under its feet, drawing the spirit seal of Ophiel surrounded by two concentric circles.
LEVEL: 666 SYSTEM: LEVIATHAN CODE: ENVY
CAUTION! PURGATORY LEVEL 2
Lucemon noticed his barrier ceasing to exist the very moment it happened.
ôWhaùö
Any more he wanted to say was interrupted by the ephemeral yet very real tail falling upon him like the giant whip of God.
ôHmm-hmm-hmm~ö Leviamon hummed playfully, and then raised an eyebrow when a new set of 504 Blutgang fakes appeared in the sky above its head, all of them pointing downwards and aiming to skewer it mercilessly.
ôOh, but theyÆre so pretty and shiny. They make me jealous as well!ö
And all 504 swords disappeared like they had never been there in the first place.
Back on shore, Lucemon shuddered as the pressure of LeviamonÆs tail disappeared and he was allowed to stand once more.
ôA single hitàthisàthisàö the angel-like Digimon muttered while looking at the broken concrete all around him. Had it not been for his barriers, this whole chunk of dock would probably be underwater by now.
ôThis isàhis weakest attack?ö
ôCauda!ö
ôAHIHù!ö
No barrier came into being, and Lucemon was struck on his right side with titanic force. The Adult Digimon was effortlessly flung into the sky like a golf ball, and the air exploded into a sonic boom that threatened to send Galgomon and Jenrya flying away.
ôGu-guh!ö Lucemon grunted at about the half-kilometer mark of his impromptu flight. This was the same attack which had utterly crushed Matsuda TakatoÆs body. Lucemon was not nearly as affected, but he could not deny the fact it hurt. A lot.
Furthermore, he needed confirmation.
ôBLUTàGANG.ö
Nothing happened.
And Lucemon understood the nature of LeviamonÆs Crest of Envy.
*************************************
ôAt its core, Envy is not about wishing for the possessions of others,ö Lucemon Magus Mode calmly concluded on his seat at the Game Room. ôThe core of Envy is wishing for others to lose the things they have.ö
ôPerfect blockade of access to data. That is the power of LeviamonÆs Crest of Envy.ö
Lucemon nodded while smiling with pride.
ôIndeed. It is a perfect, unblockable effect, limited only by LeviamonÆs own power. It can block even the other CrestsÆ powers, except for the Crests of Pride and Dreams.ö
The blue-clad Lucemon nodded. Leviamon had blocked not his Crest of Dreams, but the sword Blutgang. In other words, the Crest of Envy could only lock specific uses of the Crests of Pride and Dreams, not the CrestsÆ powers altogether.
ôYou do realize what this means, do you not?ö the angelic child taunted with his infuriatingly smug smirk. Magus Mode ignored the obvious threat, but still nodded.
No matter what kind of attack or defense he used, he would only be able to use it once.
Lucemon analyzed the situation. Probably only one of his two special attacks would be of use against Leviamon. The other would be locked before it could do any significant harm to the Demon Lord. But, if he only had one chance to use his technique, thenà
ôThisàwill not be easy.ö
Not that it had expected it to be.
The ruler of the Dark Area giggled childishly, obviously amused by LucemonÆs current ordeal.
ôMake every move count, Lucemon~ö
LucemonÆs quiet and calm tone did not match the intrinsic tension of the moment as he explained the magical procedure he was about to follow.
ôBLUTGANG.ö
In English Gematria, the word ôBlutgangö equals 504. That was the number of copies of Dukemon Crimson ModeÆs holy sword which instantly appeared around Lucemon, held in the air by an unknown force. He ignored JenryaÆs gasping behind him.
ôFire.ö
To this point Matsuda Takato had always manually wielded the weapons he had Dreamed. That did not mean he could not launch them from the empty air the way Lucemon had just done so. He simply did not do it because it was unnatural for swords to float in the air and the fly like arrows at supersonic speed. It was an unnecessary source of Degradation.
However, to Lucemon Magus Mode, only the objective exists. To hold back is anathema to him, and things like Degradation will not stop him from doing what he believes must be done. While the actual transformation causes a considerable amount of Degradation itself, it is this lack of care for TakatoÆs well-being that makes Magus Mode particularly dangerous to use.
Hurricane-like winds buffeted the docks when an invisible force swatted away the supersonic blades like mosquitoes, every single one of them. The Demon ManÆs blue eyes narrowed.
It had been invisible once. Not any longer.
Like a mirage, he could see the outline of the massive threat around the distant figure of Katou Juri. They extended upwards into the vast sky, and yet Lucemon knew those were just the tips of LeviamonÆs tails.
With its impossible size, was there really a limit to LeviamonÆs range of attack?
There did not seem to be a limit to its voice, in any case.
ôCauda!ö
ôAHIH.ö
World-shattering force met barrier once more. Lucemon not only noticed the attack was weaker this time; it also appeared to be focused entirely on himùthe crushing force did not reach JenryaÆs and GalgomonÆs position, and Lucemon had been able to adjust the barrier accordingly.
Of course.
Rostrum was simply a bite with its huge and powerful maw. Cauda was a whipping attack with its gigantic tails. No matter how large Leviamon was, its tails were definitely narrower and longer than its head. Thus, Cauda sacrificed destructive power for precision (as much as Leviamon could achieve) and range.
While Lucemon made this analysis, Leviamon in the guise of Katou Juri smiled pleasantly.
ôWhat a beautiful and powerful barrier,ö it said melodiously. ôIt makes me jealous.ö
In response to those simple yet meaningful words, blue traces of light began to assemble around and under its feet, drawing the spirit seal of Ophiel surrounded by two concentric circles.
LEVEL: 666 SYSTEM: LEVIATHAN CODE: ENVY
CAUTION! PURGATORY LEVEL 2
Lucemon noticed his barrier ceasing to exist the very moment it happened.
ôWhaùö
Any more he wanted to say was interrupted by the ephemeral yet very real tail falling upon him like the giant whip of God.
ôHmm-hmm-hmm~ö Leviamon hummed playfully, and then raised an eyebrow when a new set of 504 Blutgang fakes appeared in the sky above its head, all of them pointing downwards and aiming to skewer it mercilessly.
ôOh, but theyÆre so pretty and shiny. They make me jealous as well!ö
And all 504 swords disappeared like they had never been there in the first place.
Back on shore, Lucemon shuddered as the pressure of LeviamonÆs tail disappeared and he was allowed to stand once more.
ôA single hitàthisàthisàö the angel-like Digimon muttered while looking at the broken concrete all around him. Had it not been for his barriers, this whole chunk of dock would probably be underwater by now.
ôThis isàhis weakest attack?ö
ôCauda!ö
ôAHIHù!ö
No barrier came into being, and Lucemon was struck on his right side with titanic force. The Adult Digimon was effortlessly flung into the sky like a golf ball, and the air exploded into a sonic boom that threatened to send Galgomon and Jenrya flying away.
ôGu-guh!ö Lucemon grunted at about the half-kilometer mark of his impromptu flight. This was the same attack which had utterly crushed Matsuda TakatoÆs body. Lucemon was not nearly as affected, but he could not deny the fact it hurt. A lot.
Furthermore, he needed confirmation.
ôBLUTàGANG.ö
Nothing happened.
And Lucemon understood the nature of LeviamonÆs Crest of Envy.
*************************************
ôAt its core, Envy is not about wishing for the possessions of others,ö Lucemon Magus Mode calmly concluded on his seat at the Game Room. ôThe core of Envy is wishing for others to lose the things they have.ö
ôPerfect blockade of access to data. That is the power of LeviamonÆs Crest of Envy.ö
Lucemon nodded while smiling with pride.
ôIndeed. It is a perfect, unblockable effect, limited only by LeviamonÆs own power. It can block even the other CrestsÆ powers, except for the Crests of Pride and Dreams.ö
The blue-clad Lucemon nodded. Leviamon had blocked not his Crest of Dreams, but the sword Blutgang. In other words, the Crest of Envy could only lock specific uses of the Crests of Pride and Dreams, not the CrestsÆ powers altogether.
ôYou do realize what this means, do you not?ö the angelic child taunted with his infuriatingly smug smirk. Magus Mode ignored the obvious threat, but still nodded.
No matter what kind of attack or defense he used, he would only be able to use it once.
Lucemon analyzed the situation. Probably only one of his two special attacks would be of use against Leviamon. The other would be locked before it could do any significant harm to the Demon Lord. But, if he only had one chance to use his technique, thenà
ôThisàwill not be easy.ö
Not that it had expected it to be.
The ruler of the Dark Area giggled childishly, obviously amused by LucemonÆs current ordeal.
ôMake every move count, Lucemon~ö
Going back and rereading the thread I found that you already made mention of Magus Mode back when Renaman and Impmon were reading Takato's notes, and that the notes made mention of an Adversary Mode as well. I'd foregotten about that and now I'm really wondering what other hints and facts I've foregotten or missed. Well I'm looking foreward to finding out. 
Tier 0
"God"
Zeed Millenniummon
Tier 0.5
ENIAC
AtanasoffûBerry Computer
Tier 1
Moon=Millenniummon
Tier 1.5
Millenniummon
Omega Shoutmon (Manga Version)
Zeek Greymon (Manga Version)
Tier 2
Chronomon Holy Mode
Ultimate Chaosmon
Gran Dracmon
Ogudomon
Tier 2.5
Chronomon Destroy Mode
Gaiamon
Tier 3
Alphamon UWBKDS
NEO
Tier 3.5
Death-X-Mon
Victory Greymon
Z'd Garurumon
Tier 4
Alphamon
Susanoomon
Omegamon X
Ulforce Vdramon Zero Future Mode
Bagramon
Tier 4.5
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode
Shoutmon DX
Agumon Burst Mode
Tier 5
Yggdrasil
Daemon Super Ultimate
Tier 5.5
Exo Grimmon
Ulforce Vdramon Zero
Tier 6
Arkadimon Super Ultimate
Lucemon Satan Mode
Armagemon
Death-X-DORUghoramon
Tier 6.5
Musou Knightmon
Chaosmon
Valdurmon
Neo Vamdemon
Zamielmon
Splashmon
Tier 7
Olegmon
Arkadimon Ultimate
Lucemon Fallen Mode
Leviamon
Zeek Greymon
Dorbickmon
Tier 7.5
Omega Shoutmon
Huanglongmon
Ulforce Vdramon X
Dukemon Crimson Mode
DORUghoramon
Tier 8
Omegamon Zwart
Omegamon
Dukemon X
Beelzebumon X
Ulforce Vdramon
Examon
Ouryuumon
Tier 8.5
Baihumon
Qinglongmon
Zhuqiaomon
Xuanwumon
Arkadimon Perfect
Shoutmon X5B
Banchou Leomon Burst Mode
Tier 9
Apocalymon
Super Dark Knightmon
Tactimon
Beelzebumon Blast Mode
Lucemon
Dukemon
Chaos Dukemon
Craniummon
Sliepmon
Justimon
Megalo Gargomon
Sakuyamon
Bastemon
Dynasmon X
Tier 9.5
Beelzebumon
Megidramon
Barbamon
Tier 10
Shoutmon X5
Decker Greymon
Shine Greymon Burst Mode
Mirage Gaogamon Burst Mode
Ravemon Burst Mode
Rosemon Burst Mode
Magnamon X
Black War Greymon X
War Greymon X
Metal Garurumon X
Tier 10.5
Kaiser Greymon
Magna Garurumon
Dynasmon
Rhodo Knightmon
Duftmon
Cherubimon
Reichmon
Jet Mervamon
Banchou Leomon
Tier 11
Dark Knightmon
Shoutmon X4B
Belphemon Rage Mode
Kaiser Leomon
Tier 11.5
Aldamon
Beowulfmon
Rhino Kabuterimon
Daipenmon
Jet Sylphymon
Tier 12
Daemon
Shadow Seraphimon
Seraphimon
Ophanimon
Lilithmon
Belial Vamdemon
Mervamon
Tier 12.5
Imperialdramon Fighter Mode
Tier 13
Shoutmon X4K
Shoutmon X4S
Magna Angemon
Diablomon
Piemon
Tier 13.5
Shine Greymon
Mirage Gaogamon
Ravemon
Imperialdramon Dragon Mode
Venom Vamdemon
Tier 14
Magnamon
Shoutmon X4
Holydramon
Black War Greymon
War Greymon
Metal Garurumon
Rosemon
Mugendramon
Metal Seadramon
Saber Leomon
Tier 14.5
Pinocchimon
Marine Angemon
"God"
Zeed Millenniummon
Tier 0.5
ENIAC
AtanasoffûBerry Computer
Tier 1
Moon=Millenniummon
Tier 1.5
Millenniummon
Omega Shoutmon (Manga Version)
Zeek Greymon (Manga Version)
Tier 2
Chronomon Holy Mode
Ultimate Chaosmon
Gran Dracmon
Ogudomon
Tier 2.5
Chronomon Destroy Mode
Gaiamon
Tier 3
Alphamon UWBKDS
NEO
Tier 3.5
Death-X-Mon
Victory Greymon
Z'd Garurumon
Tier 4
Alphamon
Susanoomon
Omegamon X
Ulforce Vdramon Zero Future Mode
Bagramon
Tier 4.5
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode
Shoutmon DX
Agumon Burst Mode
Tier 5
Yggdrasil
Daemon Super Ultimate
Tier 5.5
Exo Grimmon
Ulforce Vdramon Zero
Tier 6
Arkadimon Super Ultimate
Lucemon Satan Mode
Armagemon
Death-X-DORUghoramon
Tier 6.5
Musou Knightmon
Chaosmon
Valdurmon
Neo Vamdemon
Zamielmon
Splashmon
Tier 7
Olegmon
Arkadimon Ultimate
Lucemon Fallen Mode
Leviamon
Zeek Greymon
Dorbickmon
Tier 7.5
Omega Shoutmon
Huanglongmon
Ulforce Vdramon X
Dukemon Crimson Mode
DORUghoramon
Tier 8
Omegamon Zwart
Omegamon
Dukemon X
Beelzebumon X
Ulforce Vdramon
Examon
Ouryuumon
Tier 8.5
Baihumon
Qinglongmon
Zhuqiaomon
Xuanwumon
Arkadimon Perfect
Shoutmon X5B
Banchou Leomon Burst Mode
Tier 9
Apocalymon
Super Dark Knightmon
Tactimon
Beelzebumon Blast Mode
Lucemon
Dukemon
Chaos Dukemon
Craniummon
Sliepmon
Justimon
Megalo Gargomon
Sakuyamon
Bastemon
Dynasmon X
Tier 9.5
Beelzebumon
Megidramon
Barbamon
Tier 10
Shoutmon X5
Decker Greymon
Shine Greymon Burst Mode
Mirage Gaogamon Burst Mode
Ravemon Burst Mode
Rosemon Burst Mode
Magnamon X
Black War Greymon X
War Greymon X
Metal Garurumon X
Tier 10.5
Kaiser Greymon
Magna Garurumon
Dynasmon
Rhodo Knightmon
Duftmon
Cherubimon
Reichmon
Jet Mervamon
Banchou Leomon
Tier 11
Dark Knightmon
Shoutmon X4B
Belphemon Rage Mode
Kaiser Leomon
Tier 11.5
Aldamon
Beowulfmon
Rhino Kabuterimon
Daipenmon
Jet Sylphymon
Tier 12
Daemon
Shadow Seraphimon
Seraphimon
Ophanimon
Lilithmon
Belial Vamdemon
Mervamon
Tier 12.5
Imperialdramon Fighter Mode
Tier 13
Shoutmon X4K
Shoutmon X4S
Magna Angemon
Diablomon
Piemon
Tier 13.5
Shine Greymon
Mirage Gaogamon
Ravemon
Imperialdramon Dragon Mode
Venom Vamdemon
Tier 14
Magnamon
Shoutmon X4
Holydramon
Black War Greymon
War Greymon
Metal Garurumon
Rosemon
Mugendramon
Metal Seadramon
Saber Leomon
Tier 14.5
Pinocchimon
Marine Angemon